With a historic New Year's approaching, the Cambridge City Council marked a momentous shift of its own in a ceremony honoring outgoing Mayor Francis H. Duehay '55, Councillor Sheila Doyle Russell and Councillor Katherine Triantafillou last night.

In front of a packed house, Duehay, Russell and Triantafillou said goodbye to Cambridge's legislative body in the last meeting of the council's 1998-99 term.

Longtime council veterans Duehay and Russell--known for being voices of reason on the often divisive council--gave short farewell speeches last night.

"Well, it's been a long run," said Duehay, who has served 14 terms on the council and four terms on the School Committee.

Duehay said that though much of his life has taken place within a half-mile radius of City Hall, he has tried not to be "provincial."

"I have continued, I hope, to learn from all of you," he said. "It is an occasion of some sadness that I leave, but I am also looking forward to other opportunities...to serve the city in the times ahead," he added.

Russell, a 14-year council veteran, said she does not plan to disappear from the Cambridge political scene entirely.

"I look forward to being around for a long time and bugging all of you," she said.